From Minnesota, home of the city of Red Wing and Red Wing boots, greetings! It's always the best day when there's a new video from the Devon Reviewer. Thanks for sharing, and love the early patina on your Iron Rangers. Fun fact: the Iron Range is an area in the northern part of the state where most of the taconite was harvested and shipped via the Great Lakes to Detroit to make all the automobiles back in the day. Sadly, the area collapsed in the late 70's and throughout the 80's, of course - initiated by the gas crunch. Although, they still do a fair share of mining in the area.
They are GREAT boots. I've had mine for about 5 years now and they've held up unbelievably well. Just now thinking about a resole as the back outer corners are well worn. When you oil them, be prepared for a completely different color. Mink oil will definitely darken a lot. The neutral cremes will only darken a bit. They were really comfortable for about 2 years, but I eventually ended up getting insoles as they really started to feel quite hard. I'd say I wear mine 4 out of 7 days a week, Autumn through Spring. FYI, these boots were never manufactured for the miners. They are "inspired" by the boots of old, but were reimagined by a Japanese designer. Thus the heritage boot was born. From the other side of the pond, cheers!
I've had the 8111s for about 6 months or so no and have now just purchased the 8087 slate mule skinner rough out model and love them just as much...keep up the great content! You're still one of the best I've seen to date 🤙
The mule skinners are wonderful, definitely on my list... I need to check out your channel, just bought a arcade cab and looking at retro gaming options!
@@DevonReviewer I haven't been active in a while unfortunately but arcade systems are great! Thanks for all you do. Look forward to your content in the future.
Great to see such enthusiasm for boots! Beautiful collection of Red Wings that you have there. Great styling choice in the beginning on the stairs! I’ll add a few notes; 1. (At 6:57/ 6:58/ 6:59) There is no leather midsole (no midsole at all) on the Iron Ranger when coming stock from Redwing 2. Horse tack was not traditionally oil tanned leather like the leather used here. Usually it’s some type of veg tan. Often the types of veg tanned leathers used for horse tack are harness or bridle. Cheers
The 8111 iron rangers are my favourite boots ever! I’d seriously reconsider using Mink oil on these as they will darken and look like a different pair of boots. I also found the break in time with these boots painless, but understand they kill some peoples feet. I always go true to size with Iron rangers but again that doesn’t work out for everybody. Enjoy the boots and thanks for sharing. 😊
I’ve noticed that even though the IR are made from the same last, they don’t always fit the same. I returned a pair 8.5 IR because they were too tight . The 2nd pair I received felt more roomy and easier to break in.
much like selvedge, when that first wash really brings out the contrast.. I find the same to be true for leather boots. They may immediately appear more 'uniform' but after a couple wears after a clean and condition, more of the patina starts to show through the leather.. not a fan of running them dry because I feel that patina doesn't develop as nicely.
The last time I watched your video I believe you were reviewing Dr. Martens Mande in England Oxblood 1460s. Since then I have switched to Red Wings, particularly Iron Rangers. I'm happy to see you reviewing them now. Love these boots
RW needs to make kilties for these boots. The eyelets on the backside look like they would rub right through the gusseted tongue. It will also keep the laces form making those imprints also.
Just started my Red Wing 875 for 5 months nonstop, and the foot bed molded to my foot shape. They're still not fully broken in yet! Hard to imagine what it is gonna be like if I were wearing a pair of Iron Ranger. The hard vibram sole makes me fear to try them haha!
Give them a go man they honestly aren’t that bad. I use them on hard ground in a workshop and with a slim leather insole they are some of the comfiest boots I have
Lovely boots, I’ve had my 8085s for a good two years now and they’re my favourite boots! Much like the name, They wear like iron too! Hardly any wear at all in that time with a good brush 👍
they were somewhat of a pain for me to break in, but I think I wore them too much too fast. I agree with you about that mini lug sole. it's my least favorite part about the boot, and I am thinking once they wear out I will look for something a little bit softer underfoot. I am at the point now where the rest of the boot fits like a glove.
@@DevonReviewer it would definitely change the slim profile of the boot, but I am used to wearing logger style boots at work. I would consider something like a half sole. I just feel like I need a little more cushion.
I agree. I have the Oxblood IR’s and the Amber Harness ones too, but much more prefer my 8111’s because they have the old nitrile cork sole and it feels sooo much better than the Vibram sole on my Oxbloods.
Same here. My soles are getting to their end at this point and I don’t think I will mind getting the mini lugs when it comes time. I think I will wait until October or November, and get something that will be a bit better for the winter.
The last thing I would use is mink oil unless you are in wet conditions all the time and bear in mind putting Mink oil on it will make them 2 to 3 times darker
I can not agree more with you about over conditioning Red Wing oil tanned leather. I own copper rough and tough since 2017 and the only extra love I have given them is a damp rag and a brushing occasionally, and they are still oily to the touch. No need for more.
You must have pretty tough feet. I have the same amber harness IR and they were torturous to break in. They still feel like I’m walking on planks even with Superfeet’s cushiest insoles. I tried to love them, I really did. But they sit at the back of my closet gathering dust most of the time while I wear out multiple pairs of RedBack lace up boots, which are comfortable on day one. I can see the quality of the materials and workmanship of the Iron Rangers are better than the RedBack boots, but if I can’t wear them more than a few hours without sore feet, I’ll take a step down in quality for comfort.
I get what you're saying, this those Vibram soles are sort of plank like. But, if you get them resolved to the old cork sole they use to come with it think you may find them a comfortable as sneakers. More even. Unless, you prefer those mini lugs for a bit more grip. It's a little give and got. Give some grip, get some comfort. I have both soles on 2 pair of IR's and like you the one with the mini lugs just sit eventhough, they perfectly broken in.
My feet are pretty well practiced at breaking in boots.. my first 875s almost killed me though! You have got me thinking about those nitrile cork soles now!
I found mine painful to break in as well and must say I hate the low heel block and nitrile sole,absolutely no shock absorption whatsoever.I'll probably send them out to Yorkshire Sole to be re-soled and re-heeled with a Dr Sole unit.Otherwise like yourself they'll just gather dust.
The IR's do take a while to break in but feel like a glove once they do. If you are really not wanting to wear them, throw them on eBay. Tons of folks looking for used IR's and they are selling for nearly what they sold for new! I was blown away on my recent eBay searches. Don't let them waste away and make most your money back.
My IR’s tore my feet up in about half an hour of walking the first time I wore them. Thick socks, a suede leather heel insert and insoles fixed the immediate issues then it’s a case of being pig headed and just wear them at every opportunity and they slowly start to take the shape of your feet. It’s really old boot design so you just have to persevere.
It is where the heal block is nailed on, it isnt completely flush. I had it on my blacksmiths too...its weird as I would imagine they would finish the boots with the soles complete, perhaps it was just reseated and nailed during QC?
I had a pair, and mine were in standard width a little bit too narrow for me, and I did find the Sole and insole to be hard and not a lot of room for a full replacement in Sole. I have a wide foot and high arch. Other than that I like them a lot and I wish they had fit me better.
I want to buy red wing iron ranger boots and i need your advice about size.I wear all my shoes and sneakers in us 9 (Dr. Martens, converse, nike, adidas, catterpilar, salomon).My foot length is 27 centimeters.Can you tell me which size fits me?People sizing down half or full size down?My foot is somewhere between a D width and an E width.I used the printed branock measurements and the foot length is somewhere around 10.5 which is 27 cm or European shoe size 42.Should I order US 8.5 or simply take them in my regular size US 9. I don't have the opportunity to try the boots on in the store. I plan to order them through a friend from Germany. That's why I need your help.Greetings from Serbia.
@@DevonReviewer what is your Brannock size? I'm a UK 9 in Docs and my Rangers are 9 US. My Brannock is just over 9.5. That Rangers feel pretty good. I wouldn't want them any smaller.
I go a full size down from my brannock on the 8-last. But 1907 half a size. I wore the 1907 without footbed first. After it started breaking in, I returned the footbed. Now they’re starting to become very comfy. This was recommended by a Red Wing employee in another video.
From Minnesota, home of the city of Red Wing and Red Wing boots, greetings! It's always the best day when there's a new video from the Devon Reviewer. Thanks for sharing, and love the early patina on your Iron Rangers.
Fun fact: the Iron Range is an area in the northern part of the state where most of the taconite was harvested and shipped via the Great Lakes to Detroit to make all the automobiles back in the day. Sadly, the area collapsed in the late 70's and throughout the 80's, of course - initiated by the gas crunch. Although, they still do a fair share of mining in the area.
Thanks Bryce, always good to have you on board!
They are GREAT boots. I've had mine for about 5 years now and they've held up unbelievably well. Just now thinking about a resole as the back outer corners are well worn. When you oil them, be prepared for a completely different color. Mink oil will definitely darken a lot. The neutral cremes will only darken a bit. They were really comfortable for about 2 years, but I eventually ended up getting insoles as they really started to feel quite hard. I'd say I wear mine 4 out of 7 days a week, Autumn through Spring. FYI, these boots were never manufactured for the miners. They are "inspired" by the boots of old, but were reimagined by a Japanese designer. Thus the heritage boot was born. From the other side of the pond, cheers!
I've had the 8111s for about 6 months or so no and have now just purchased the 8087 slate mule skinner rough out model and love them just as much...keep up the great content! You're still one of the best I've seen to date 🤙
The mule skinners are wonderful, definitely on my list... I need to check out your channel, just bought a arcade cab and looking at retro gaming options!
@@DevonReviewer I haven't been active in a while unfortunately but arcade systems are great! Thanks for all you do. Look forward to your content in the future.
Thanks, its great having a cabinet a fair bit of work is needed to get everything working as it should... guess thats the way of emulation!
I’ve had my Iron Rangers for almost 4 years now and I wear them daily. So far so good, really like them!
They are the best!!
Great to see such enthusiasm for boots!
Beautiful collection of Red Wings that you have there.
Great styling choice in the beginning on the stairs!
I’ll add a few notes;
1. (At 6:57/ 6:58/ 6:59) There is no leather midsole (no midsole at all) on the Iron Ranger when coming stock from Redwing
2. Horse tack was not traditionally oil tanned leather like the leather used here.
Usually it’s some type of veg tan. Often the types of veg tanned leathers used for horse tack are harness or bridle.
Cheers
The 8111 iron rangers are my favourite boots ever!
I’d seriously reconsider using Mink oil on these as they will darken and look like a different pair of boots. I also found the break in time with these boots painless, but understand they kill some peoples feet.
I always go true to size with Iron rangers but again that doesn’t work out for everybody.
Enjoy the boots and thanks for sharing. 😊
I’ve noticed that even though the IR are made from the same last, they don’t always fit the same. I returned a pair 8.5 IR because they were too tight . The 2nd pair I received felt more roomy and easier to break in.
My 8111 are breaking me in. Blisters. I guess nothing worth having is easy, but looking forward for them to soften up.
Just got my first pair 8111’s & I love them.
much like selvedge, when that first wash really brings out the contrast.. I find the same to be true for leather boots. They may immediately appear more 'uniform' but after a couple wears after a clean and condition, more of the patina starts to show through the leather.. not a fan of running them dry because I feel that patina doesn't develop as nicely.
I find that going a little dry allows some areas to lose oil and it remains in others, a full spectrum of what the leather offers
The last time I watched your video I believe you were reviewing Dr. Martens Mande in England Oxblood 1460s. Since then I have switched to Red Wings, particularly Iron Rangers. I'm happy to see you reviewing them now. Love these boots
RW needs to make kilties for these boots. The eyelets on the backside look like they would rub right through the gusseted tongue. It will also keep the laces form making those imprints also.
Having watched a lot of videos on these boots, your review convinced me to purchase them
I went a half size down for the moc and a full size for iron rangers
Just started my Red Wing 875 for 5 months nonstop, and the foot bed molded to my foot shape. They're still not fully broken in yet! Hard to imagine what it is gonna be like if I were wearing a pair of Iron Ranger. The hard vibram sole makes me fear to try them haha!
It’s only bad if you’re constantly walking on concrete for 8+ hours a day
Give them a go man they honestly aren’t that bad. I use them on hard ground in a workshop and with a slim leather insole they are some of the comfiest boots I have
Great review! I would add, unless you want them to darken quite a bit, I would use Bick 4 or a similar product that will preserve the amber color.
Would love to see a review on your trickers
Lovely boots, I’ve had my 8085s for a good two years now and they’re my favourite boots! Much like the name, They wear like iron too! Hardly any wear at all in that time with a good brush 👍
Yep, I can see these lasting a long time!
I would love a pair, but i have arthritis in my feet now and dont think i could wear them
Probably because you have a head like a fucking orange.
Serious note, you could get them customized lotta money but you could do it 😊
A wise move they would hurt you.
@@sid35gb thanks 🙏 David , I mostly wear adidas ultraboost trainers now 😂 comfort is a priority
Hey man, what boot tree do you use with the IR 8111’s? If any….?
Glad you’re enjoying them pal, cracking boots 🦉
Thanks, they are lovely boots!
they were somewhat of a pain for me to break in, but I think I wore them too much too fast. I agree with you about that mini lug sole. it's my least favorite part about the boot, and I am thinking once they wear out I will look for something a little bit softer underfoot. I am at the point now where the rest of the boot fits like a glove.
Yep the mini lug isnt gentle on the feet but I do love its low profile.. Not sure it would look as nice with a regular vibram lug?
@@DevonReviewer it would definitely change the slim profile of the boot, but I am used to wearing logger style boots at work. I would consider something like a half sole. I just feel like I need a little more cushion.
I agree. I have the Oxblood IR’s and the Amber Harness ones too, but much more prefer my 8111’s because they have the old nitrile cork sole and it feels sooo much better than the Vibram sole on my Oxbloods.
Thats what I am hearing, maybe these need a resole at some point!
Same here. My soles are getting to their end at this point and I don’t think I will mind getting the mini lugs when it comes time. I think I will wait until October or November, and get something that will be a bit better for the winter.
Did those IR ranger lighten up in color since you bought them?
The last thing I would use is mink oil unless you are in wet conditions all the time and bear in mind putting Mink oil on it will make them 2 to 3 times darker
Don't use mink oil if you don't want to darken them! Try Saphir Oiled Leather Cream instead.
I switched to wesco boots can’t even touch redwings now wesco cost more but god dam there amazing worth ever penny
Any chance of an update vid on the 8111s?
When you say 1/2 size down, do you mean 1/2 down from Brannock size or from sneaker size?
I can not agree more with you about over conditioning Red Wing oil tanned leather. I own copper rough and tough since 2017 and the only extra love I have given them is a damp rag and a brushing occasionally, and they are still oily to the touch. No need for more.
Yep, I use very little product in general... bit of a shame as polishing boots it therapeutic, but they look so much better without!
Do these make a clomping sound when you walk? I quite fancy a pair but not a fan of loud shoes.
Can we get updates on your docs? it's been a while.
Not been wearing DMs much these days, but I might share some longer term thoughts on the solovairs
Hey, is this the type of leather that leaves a permanent mark if you run your fingernail across it? Which leathers do that? Nice review and boots.
Pull up leather does that. You can kind of rub it off though. I think the copper rough and tough is like that, but not the amber harness
@@TSE_WOODY thanks, of all the red wing leathers which is most water repellent in its natural form
@@gabrielM1111 i actually dont know. Its probably the copper but i dont think any of them are very resistant
Even the rough and tough loses its scratches and marks if its got a bit of oil in it... but they do build up a lovely patina
You must have pretty tough feet. I have the same amber harness IR and they were torturous to break in. They still feel like I’m walking on planks even with Superfeet’s cushiest insoles. I tried to love them, I really did. But they sit at the back of my closet gathering dust most of the time while I wear out multiple pairs of RedBack lace up boots, which are comfortable on day one. I can see the quality of the materials and workmanship of the Iron Rangers are better than the RedBack boots, but if I can’t wear them more than a few hours without sore feet, I’ll take a step down in quality for comfort.
I get what you're saying, this those Vibram soles are sort of plank like. But, if you get them resolved to the old cork sole they use to come with it think you may find them a comfortable as sneakers. More even. Unless, you prefer those mini lugs for a bit more grip. It's a little give and got. Give some grip, get some comfort. I have both soles on 2 pair of IR's and like you the one with the mini lugs just sit eventhough, they perfectly broken in.
My feet are pretty well practiced at breaking in boots.. my first 875s almost killed me though! You have got me thinking about those nitrile cork soles now!
I found mine painful to break in as well and must say I hate the low heel block and nitrile sole,absolutely no shock absorption whatsoever.I'll probably send them out to Yorkshire Sole to be re-soled and re-heeled with a Dr Sole unit.Otherwise like yourself they'll just gather dust.
The IR's do take a while to break in but feel like a glove once they do. If you are really not wanting to wear them, throw them on eBay. Tons of folks looking for used IR's and they are selling for nearly what they sold for new! I was blown away on my recent eBay searches. Don't let them waste away and make most your money back.
My IR’s tore my feet up in about half an hour of walking the first time I wore them. Thick socks, a suede leather heel insert and insoles fixed the immediate issues then it’s a case of being pig headed and just wear them at every opportunity and they slowly start to take the shape of your feet. It’s really old boot design so you just have to persevere.
The Iron Ranger. The quintessential boot.
de Von!! so how can you help me in buying my own especially since im in the Southern part of Africa?
On the heel block of the left boot looks like a bit of a split developing! I may be wrong!
It is where the heal block is nailed on, it isnt completely flush. I had it on my blacksmiths too...its weird as I would imagine they would finish the boots with the soles complete, perhaps it was just reseated and nailed during QC?
i wanna see this guy's face, he's the Banksy of the boot review world!
Ha, one day maybe… but I’m not a looker like Rose Anvil and Stridewise!
Most pictures show these looking a dark brown so i'm surprised to see them looking so nice and amber
Agreed. I would have sworn these were 8085 copper until he turned the tongue over. Sure enough, 8111. Lightest pair I've ever seen.
Yes I'm getting me one
I had a pair, and mine were in standard width a little bit too narrow for me, and I did find the Sole and insole to be hard and not a lot of room for a full replacement in Sole. I have a wide foot and high arch.
Other than that I like them a lot and I wish they had fit me better.
I agree on the lack of room for an insole. Have you tried a boot stretcher of some sort to save your feet doing the hard work?
How many pairs of shoes do you have?, De von
A lot! .... but not enough!
@@DevonReviewer as with everything... N+1
I want to buy red wing iron ranger boots and i need your advice about size.I wear all my shoes and sneakers in us 9 (Dr. Martens, converse, nike, adidas, catterpilar, salomon).My foot length is 27 centimeters.Can you tell me which size fits me?People sizing down half or full size down?My foot is somewhere between a D width and an E width.I used the printed branock measurements and the foot length is somewhere around 10.5 which is 27 cm or European shoe size 42.Should I order US 8.5 or simply take them in my regular size US 9. I don't have the opportunity to try the boots on in the store. I plan to order them through a friend from Germany. That's why I need your help.Greetings from Serbia.
You should take an US 8 in my opinion with IR's. My foot is 26.6 cm and a 7.5 is perfect...
Are these the same size as your 1907s?
Half a size down
@@DevonReviewer what is your Brannock size? I'm a UK 9 in Docs and my Rangers are 9 US. My Brannock is just over 9.5. That Rangers feel pretty good. I wouldn't want them any smaller.
I go a full size down from my brannock on the 8-last. But 1907 half a size. I wore the 1907 without footbed first. After it started breaking in, I returned the footbed. Now they’re starting to become very comfy. This was recommended by a Red Wing employee in another video.
I own whites nicks vibergs and nothing comes close to looking like those simply timeless
6 month? 😂 my pair of 8111 are 12 years, I changed the laces last summer for the first time.
How many soles have you burned through in that time?
👏👏👏👏👏
Knockoff lava lamp
Ugly boots but comfortable once broken in.